FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN MATHEMATICS: A CASE OF PUPILS IN OUR LADY OF HOLY CROSS SCHOOL, KASOA IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA

ABSTRACT The study investigated factors contributing to poor academic performance of pupils in mathematics: a case of pupils in Our Lady of Holy Cross School, Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive research design utilising the quantitative research approach was used in the study. A sample of forty (40) JHS pupils was selected using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations). Findings of the study were: among other factors, mathematics teachers discouraging pupils who are weak in the subject was one of the strongest indicators of poor performance in mathematics among pupils in Our Lady of Holy Cross School, Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana. Also, large class size and inadequate tables and chairs affected pupils‟ performance in mathematics negatively. Again, anxiety and fear by pupils contributed to their poor performance in mathematics at Our Lady of Holy Cross School, Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana. it was concluded that lack of encouragement from mathematics teachers to pupils weak in mathematics contributed to pupils‟ poor performance in mathematics; high enrolment as compared to class size and insufficient tables and chairs made class control difficult for the mathematics teacher and this negatively affected pupils‟ performance in mathematics; pupils‟ negative attitude towards the studying of mathematics played a key role to their poor performance in this subject. For example, pupils‟ anxiety and fear contributed to their poor performance in mathematics. It was recommended that the supervision team at the Kasoa Education Directorate office should organise in-service training for mathematics teachers on the need to encourage pupils who are weak in the subject during teaching and learning process. Also, the government, individuals or Non-governmental Agencies could provide classroom to help reduce overcrowding in Basic Schools at Kasoa. Likewise, parents, and other individuals could supply the school with tables and chairs to supplement the already existing ones. Moreover, the headteacher and the guidance coordinator in the school should organise guidance programme for pupils who are weak in mathematics.